'We should be contending for a state title again'

Talent, experience and depth have Bulldogs once again aiming high

By ERIC PLUMMER

Sports editor

SANDPOINT — Head coach Conor Baranski has always set the bar high for his girls soccer team, and has never shied away from talking about his team’s desire to win state titles heading into each and every season.

This one is no different, as the Bulldogs will look to claim their third state title under Baranski after falling short to rival Bishop Kelly in last year’s state championship game.

While the Knights, no strangers to state titles in their own right, lost just about every starter, the Bulldogs return nearly every key piece from last year’s runner up squad. With another year of improvement for a seasoned squad, there is good reason to think another banner could be in the cards for one of the marquee soccer programs in the state.

“We took second, and lost two players. On paper, we should be contending for a state title again,” claimed Baranski. “We’re going into the season with that mindset.”

The Bulldogs finished 8-6-5 last year, a record far more reflective of a brutally tough 5A and Greater Spokane League-laden schedule than the performance of the team itself. The concept is simple, cut your teeth against far bigger schools, then handle your business against often times weaker competition when you get to state.

Sandpoint will feature a new 3-4-3 offense, as Baranski molds his attack to fit his strengths and personnel, in the hopes of lighting up some scoreboards in the process.

“I’m hoping it’s fast-paced, technical, high-scoring soccer,” predicted Baranski. “Our mids and attackers have been playing together for four years. They are very much clicking already.”

Spearheading the attack will be junior target forward Riley Walkington, whom Baranski calls one of the top players in the state. She’s strong on the ball and dangerous off the dribble, with the touch and instinct to finish.

The returning 4A IEL Most Valuable Player scored a team-high 11 goals last season, and it’s a safe bet the savvy attacker will draw considerable attention again from opposing defenses.

“I specifically asked her to find a fine balance of being selfish without ignoring her teammates,” admitted Baranski of Walkington. “She’s very good at finding space and getting in scoring position.”

Also keying what could be a potent offense will be senior Casey Shaha, who scored six goals and dished out five dimes, one short of the team-high of six assists recorded last year by Kayla Inman. Shaha will join freshman newcomer Jordie Breeden and sophomore Emi Lynch in a creating a balanced attack around Walkington.

A highly experienced midfield will direct the precision-based attack, led by returning all-league senior Hadley Marshall and senior leader Rachel Meyer, who will join senior Claire Shaha and sophomore Hannah Eddy guiding a possession-based offense.

“We have a really technical offense that will make it easy to get through other team’s defense,” predicted Claire Shaha, who is hoping to end her career on a high note. “We all have the mentality to win state. We need to be in it and ready, be aggressive and prepared.”

The Bulldogs are opting to play just three defenders this season in the junior trio of Yeo Yarnell, Jezza Hutto and Mya Darling, which is asking a lot considering the big-boy schedule the Bulldogs will play this season.

Hutto scored four goals and dished out five assists last season, despite playing much of it in the back third, and will team up with Yarnell, who scored four goals, to form a fast and formidable pair of defenders capable of moving up in the attack when needed.

“Jezza and Yeo are arguably the two best outside backs in the state,” lauded Baranski of his returning all-league players. “They’re just really mean and aggressive, yet smart defenders.”

Behind them is sophomore keeper Shea Kilpatrick, who posted three shutouts during a strong freshman campaign that saw her get better as the season progressed.

Her play at state was instrumental in the Bulldogs advancing to the championship, holding Preston and Twin Falls to just one goal in a pair of wins, and she has the athleticism to make the toughest saves.

“Shea surpassed every single expectation of mine last year. She’s mature far beyond her years,” said Baranski. “We’re hoping she continues to improve. She was a huge reason why we had success last year.”

The Bulldogs opted to go with mostly young players for the past two seasons, which means they’ll field an unusually experienced varsity side as they make another title run.

“The goal is winning state. Last year we got so close, and this year we need to redeem ourselves,” said Meyer, who was asked what the team’s strength is. “Offense. We have a lot of creative minds and work ethic. We work well together.”